Maier Talks about CAST to Legislators

Steve Maier, President of CAST, Sheridan and Johnson County Critical Air Service Team, gave an update to the legislators at the Tuesday, Dec. 5 forum about how air travel is doing in Sheridan.

He said he felt that CAST was in pretty good shape moving forward They have extended the contract with SkyWest again, however,

He said that Skywest has a problem due to every time they start developing pilots, they tend to lose them to the majors for that kind of money. He said they did not expect the pilot shortage to be resolved in next year or two.

Currently he said that since the pandemic, domestic seat sales are up again, but the number of flights is less. Each of the Sheridan flights are aboard a quiet, comfortable 50-seat plane. However, there is an issue that concerns them.

He said that this is a challenge, but Sheridan is doing well for air service. During the summer, the load factors are running 90% or better. He said it will come down in the winter, as it always does, but they are doing well.

Attending the annual Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Legislative forum were Senators Dave Kinskey and Bo Biteman, along with Representatives Barry Crago, Cyrus Western, Mark Jennings and Ken Pendergraft.